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SAFETY FIRST AND ALWAYS

With the arrival in Port Everglades, FL, which will be her home port for now, the MS "Oasis of the Seas" has generated lots of attention from the media and public. Of course with Port and Ship Security firmly in place there is not any chance of visiting the ship for a tour. Thus the owners RCI have complete control over what is reported and only its wonders and superlatives are being talked about. Though with the media continually repeating that the vessel is 'five times larger' than the "Titanic" (one hesitates to even write that word) does not really inspire confidence. Following the NAUTICAL LOG post of a "tweet" by "Twitter" from a Senior Company Executive on damage to the lifeboats during the transatlantic crossing, not a word has been said or reported in the media.

This is not a good idea and RCI should put out an explanation of just how the damage occurred, to what extent and how it is being repaired. Our Post was picked up by other worthwhile nautical blogs such as "Old Salt Blog" and "Kennebec Captain" and indicative of the interest is the fact that two-thirds of our visitors have asked about the 'lifeboat damage' as can be seen from the 'SiteMeter' reports.

NAUTICAL LOG believes it would complement and enhance their stated concern for Safety aboard their ships if RCI would publish a full report. Flag State (Bahamas) and Port State (United States per USCG) can be required, under International Maritime Organization (IMO) Passenger Ship Regulations, to publish such a Report. So why not make it, after all there is nothing to hide - or is there?

Good Watch.


UPDATE November 20, 2009:

Our Visitors Log shows some interesting visitors today. Always nice to know our opinions are getting read particularly those in the area of Shipboard Safety. This is why feedback in the form of comments are so important as there is always more than one side to an incident and an explanation. Enjoy a nice weekend though for the Cruise Ship Industry this is their really busy time of the week.

Good Watch.

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